A Comparative Clinical Evaluation of Agnikarma and Raktamokshana in Management of Gridhrasi (Sciatica)”

Background: Gridhrasi can be correlated with sciatica which is a severe painful condition where back pain and radiating pain of the legs are found together on the basis of symptoms. In the treatment of sciatica only symptomatic management and a very few surgical procedures are available in conventional medical science with their own limits. Various methods used for Gridhrasi treatment in Ayurveda but para-surgical methods i.e. Agnikarma & Raktamokshana Aim & objective: Agnikarma and Raktamokshana (Cupping) in the management of Gridhrasi (Sciatica). Materials & Methods: Total 32 diagnosed cases of sciatica were registered, from which 29 patients completed the study. In group A, 4 sittings of Agnikarma were done in 16 patients with Panchadhatu Shalaka at lumbosacral region and achilles tendon region. In group B, 2 sittings of Raktamokshana Shringa Yantra at lumbosacral region and four angula above Janu sandhi (Knee joint). Result: The result was assessed by using wilcoxon signed rank cardinal symptoms of Gridhrasi. In Agnikarma group, 26.67% patients had got complete remission, 20% patients had marked improvement whereas 40% had moderate improvement in the symptoms of Gridhrasi. In group, Raktamokshana 50% had moderate improvement, 42.85% had marked improvement. Conclusion treating sciatica but Agnikarma has shown better result in comparison of Raktamokshana in the management of Gridhrasi (Sciatica).